UN Geneva celebrates sportswomen

On 18 July, the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), through its Perception Change Project (PCP), unveiled a new photo exhibition entitled “Not a Woman’s Job?: Breaking Barriers in Sports”. The exhibition, inaugurated in the presence of UNOG Director-General, Tatiana Valovaya, and the President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, aims to honor women across the globe who are challenging gender stereotypes and disrupting the male-dominated world of sports.

"Women can physically break the glass ceiling, they can become the champions...These women athletes can inspire young girls and woman all around the world", noted Ms. Valovaya at the exhibit launch.  Noting that next year's Olympic Games in Paris will mark the first time in the history of the Olympics where gender parity will be achieved among athletes, IOC President Bach stressed how "the exhibition is so inspiring because it shows women who are breaking barriers not only in sport, but also through sport".

In line with “Not a Woman’s Job?”, the original exhibition launched in 2022 that recognized women making strides in various fields traditionally perceived as male-dominated, this new spin-off focuses specifically on sports. The exhibition presents images submitted by 39 Permanent Missions and Permanent Observer Offices accredited to UNOG, as well as the International Olympic Committee (IOC), to recognize and celebrate women who have defied societal norms in their respective sports.

The exhibition is a step forward in the global conversation about gender inequality in sports and underlines UNOG’s commitment to promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality. It brings to light the need to tackle the persisting barriers that limit the full potential of women in sports.

The exhibition will be on display at the Palais des Nations until 1 September 2023 and can also be visited online.

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